Twin troubleBy Tom MercerCarbondale-ish Alan Baxter was a confirmed bachelor. He lived on a quiet street in a quiet Midwestern town, and largely kept to himself. He did not belong to any clubs or organizations in town, and very few town residents even knew his name. He led a quiet life, and his outings were […]
Works in Progress
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Works in Progress
May we learn from history?By Nancy Bo Flood The many critical battles fought in the Pacific Arena are not as well known as those fought in Europe. But these battles in the Pacific were critical to ending the war, at a high cost of lives, military and civilian. The battles on Saipan and Tinian were […]
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Linda’s QuiltsBy Kay ClarkeCarbondale These photos are of but a few panels of Linda Criswell’s beautiful and thought-provoking quilts. For years, I have gazed upon, read and ruminated about Linda Criswell’s quilts. I did not know until she was gone that she considered them her legacy. I can see that now. Made almost entirely of […]
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Works in Progress – Aug. 13, 2026
Always Envy The Rich Man By Daniel Spiller Glenwood Springs Always envy the rich man hail the gold on his teeth Rolled his roads stoges and fields and I’m still stuck on my knees Begging at the bottom of his feet like a dog drooling to eat I have to […]
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Works in Progress – Aug. 6, 2026
Between Suns and MoonsBy Daniel TorresTranslated by Freda Barron The inevitable departure of the moonsmakes the older self more present,stained by so many suns.The less archaic self,an apprentice of the moons,yearns for more suns. In the shadow of the years(those past, those future),hazy memories emerge,filled with shadows and nostalgic longings.Always the passing of bitter memoriesof […]
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Go Fish (a summer fantasy)Nancy Bo Flood Four Mile Jump in duck under Mask on Blow bubbles up your snorkel Flutter kick webbed feet Gaze at turtles, sharks — look, there — a whale! Swim! A bathtub can be As big As the deep blue sea
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Short-Term Rental
By Olivia EmeryCarbondale A few years ago, a robin built a nest on our back porch. She was as scattered and ditsy as I felt at the time — starting with a few sticks, changing her mind, tossing them on the ground, starting again. In the end she chose a spot two columns away from […]
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New town, new man By Tom MercerCarbondale-ish Alven Smith was a reclusive, 50-year-old bachelor. Most people who knew Alven regarded him as “painfully shy,” or worse yet “possibly anti-social.” And, over time, Alven had become aware of his unfortunate reputation, but did not know what he could do about it. Then, one day, Alven’s landlord […]
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Forever inked, forever young
At the “Visceral Alchemy: Fine Art + Tattoo” exhibit at Carbondale Arts, I find a temporary tattoo of a human heart, rendered more anatomically faithful than the two humps and sharp point of an emoji. But the aorta, pulmonary artery and venae cavae of this tiny tattoo heart are plants and vines. Planets float inside […]
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Works in Progress
Remembering Mike Bouchet August 23, 1964 – June 1, 2025 Jen BouchetCarbondale Mike believed in connection and had a rare gift for it. “Mike’s magic, pass it on” began as a simple phrase during his celebration of life, inspired by his extraordinary ability to connect with people across differences and make others feel seen, welcomedand […]